A Circuit Analysis and Computational Model of Operant Conditioning in Aplysia
Abstract
The primary objective of this research project was to carry out a behavioral cellular and computational analysis of operant conditioning of the head-waving response in the marine mollusc Aplysia. The major motor components of the operant response (head-waving) were revealed with detailed kinematic analysis; the biomechanical principles underlying the operant response have been elucidated and a fluid-hydrostat model of head-waving was constructed; the critical muscle groups involved in the generation and maintenance of the operant response have been identified; the timing and pattern of muscle interactions and their relationship both to motor neuron activity and to behavioral generation of the operant response have been specified; the endogenous firing rates of single identified motor neurons can be operantly conditioned using behaviorally relevant stimuli; the interganglionic connections responsible for coordinating the operant response have been identified; the reinforcement pathway necessary for operant conditioning has been identified and, techniques have now been developed to generate a network model for information processing involved in operant conditioning, as well as other forms of plasticity, in the CNS of Aplysia. One hallmark for a successful project is that it opens new and exciting areas of inquiry at the same time that it satisfies the basic project mission.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 14, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA269873
Entities
People
- Thomas J. Carew
Organizations
- Yale University